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The Path Of Philosophy Northern Higashiyama

The Path of Philosophy is easily one of the most attractive sights in Kyoto -- a streamside path lined with blossoming trees and shrubs of every description. ![Philosopher's Path. Editorial credit:

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Funaoka Onsen Kyoto

Funaoka Onsen, which is actually a sento, is the best public bath in Kyoto. It's well worth a trip across town to relax in this beautiful bath house. Located in northwest Kyoto, Funaoka Onsen is the

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Goko Yu Sento Kyoto

Goko-yu Sento is a large public bath on the southwest side of Downtown Kyoto. It's a "destination sento" with a wide variety of baths spread over two floors. Goko-yu (the name means "Water of Five Fr

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Funaoka Onsen

Funaoka Onsen, which is actually a sento, is the best public bath in Kyoto. It's well worth a trip across town to relax in this beautiful bath house. Located in northwest Kyoto, Funaoka Onsen is the

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Kinosaki Onsen Guide And Map

Kinosaki Onsen is a picturesque village on the Japan Sea Coast, two and a half hours north of Kyoto by direct train. It's one of the best places to enjoy an onsen (hot spring) within easy distance of

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Kurama Onsen

The best onsen (hot spring) in the Kyoto area, Kurama Onsen is an easy 30-minute train trip north of Kyoto. Sitting in the outdoor tub surrounded by forested mountains is pure onsen bliss. ![A wooden

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Kyotos Best Onsen Hot Spring Baths

Unlike other parts of Japan, Kyoto is not rich in onsen (natural hot spring baths), but there are a few in the city. Here, we introduce the best onsen in and around Kyoto. ![A wooden pagoda sits abov

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Kyotos Best Sentos Japanese Public Baths

After a long day of temple hopping, there is no better way to relax than soaking in a good sento (Japanese public bath). Here, we introduce the best sentos in Kyoto and give some tips on how to enjoy

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Onsen Sento Ofuro Daiyokujo And Super Sento Whats The Difference

There are lots of ways to get into hot water in Japan: onsen, sento, ofuro, daiyokujo and super sentos. A lot of foreigners call any large bathtub in Japan an onsen, but that's not correct. Let's see

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Sauna No Umeyu Sento

Sauna no Umeyu is one of the most approachable sentos (public baths) in Kyoto. It's crowded, friendly and fun and it's right in the middle of one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Kyoto. If yo

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Tenzan No Yu Onsen Kyoto

Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is a huge bath and spa complex on the west side of Kyoto. It's one of the few onsen in Kyoto and it's well worth the trek across town to relax here. Located in western Kyoto, a sho

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Best Places To Propose In Kyoto

If you're ready to pop the question, Kyoto is a great place to do it. Kyoto is an incredibly romantic city and it's filled with beautiful, quiet spots. Here is our guide to the best places to propose

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Honeymoon In Kyoto

Kyoto is an incredibly romantic city. With intimate restaurants, atmospheric lanes, superb accommodations and a thousand quiet gardens and temples, it's the perfect place to spend time with someone yo

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Kyoto Romantic Cherry Blossom Itinerary

Kyoto's cherry blossoms are naturally romantic. But crowds are not. Here's a great way to enjoy the best of Kyoto's cherry blossoms while avoiding the worst of the crowds. ![Couple walk in the park w

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Most Romantic Hotels And Ryokan In Kyoto

If you're in search of a romantic hideaway for your Kyoto stay, you've got plenty of great choices. You can choose from intimate ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), sublime hotels, and superbly restor

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Kyotos Most Romantic Walks

Kyoto has some of the most picturesque lanes and streets in all of Asia. The best way to enjoy them with someone special is to follow these three walking routes. ![Gion Shirakawa in the evening. Edit

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Best Budget Ryokan In Kyoto

There are plenty of great budget ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in Kyoto. Here's a list of the best budget ryokan in Kyoto that I've personally inspected. If you're looking for the best ryokan in

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A Night At Tawaraya Japans Finest Ryokan

Tawaraya is widely considered to be Japan's finest ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). It's also one of Kyoto's most expensive accommodations. We recently spent one glorious night there to try to answe

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Best High End Ryokan In Kyoto

These are the best high-end ryokan in Kyoto. For a true luxury ryokan experience you cannot go wrong with any of these. I've personally inspected all the places on this list. ![Ryokan Genhouin](https

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Best Kyoto Ryokan For Couples

Ryokans are naturally romantic -- you relax in a yukata (light robe) and gaze out over a private garden and while eating a fine Japanese meal in the privacy of your room. Here are our favorite romanti

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Best Kyoto Ryokan For Families

Ryokan are a great choice for families. You can all sleep in the same room and have a truly authentic Japanese experience. Here are our top choices for family ryokan in Kyoto, divided by budget catego

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Best Mid Price Ryokan In Kyoto

Kyoto has several excellent ryokan in the middle price range. These ryokan offer traditional surroundings and excellent service. Some of them also serve Japanese meals. If you're looking for the best

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Best Ryokan Near Kyoto

You don't have to go into the depths of the Japan Alps to find soothing countryside ryokans. In fact, there are several superb ryokan within two or three hours of Kyoto, and some only half an hour awa

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How To Book Tawaraya Ryokan

Tawaraya is Kyoto's best ryokan but it can be difficult to book because they're not on any booking websites and they don't have their own website. Luckily, it's now possible to book via email. Here ar

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Kyoto Ryokan

A night or two in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is an essential Japanese experience and Kyoto is the place to do it. Kyoto has the best selection of ryokan in all price ranges. Here, we explain

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Ryokan Ugenta Kibune

One of the finest and most stylish ryokan in the entire Kyoto Area, Ryokan Ugenta is prime honeymoon territory. With only two units -- one modern and one traditionally Japanese -- Ryokan Ugenta is no

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Tawaraya Ryokan Downtown Kyoto

Tawaraya is the finest ryokan in Kyoto and, arguably, the finest in all Japan. Private gardens and incredible attention to detail make it a very special Kyoto experience. ![Tawaraya exterior](https:/

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Autumn Colors In Kyoto

Japan's cherry blossoms are famous the world over, but the fall foliage in Kyoto is perhaps even more beautiful. Here's our guide on how to see the Autumn Colors in Kyoto at its best. ![Bishamon-do F

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Best Place To See Cherry Blossoms In Kyoto

Here are the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Some of these places might be crowded but it's worth it for amazing cherries at these spots. ![Springtime path through the cherry blossom

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Best Places Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Hanami Party Kyoto

If you want to enjoy Kyoto's cherry blossoms like the locals do, look for a hanami party (blossom viewing party) for a quintessentially Japanese experience. ![Groups of people sit around tables under

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